Studied by 7 people
economic prosperity, standard of living, scientific management, assembly line, Henry Ford, consumer appliances, impact of the automobile, open shop, welfare capitalism, Art Deco, mass media, radio, networks, movie industry, Hollywood, phonographs, aviation, Charles Lindbergh, popular heroes
1922-1928
period of economic prosperity and improved standard of living (indoor plumbing, central heating, etc.), farmers not included
causes of economic prosperity
increased productivity - scientific management and assembly line (workers remain in the same place, doing same operation repeatedly)
energy technology - increased use of oil and electricity in factories and automobiles
government policy - tax cuts, lower interest, and relaxed bank regulations
consumer economy - advertising, buying on credit, consumer appliances
impact of the automobile
auto production promoted economic growth and other industries
all aspects of American social life
farm problems
best years: 1916-1918, prices were kept high, wartime demand in Europe and the government’s guaranteed minimum price for wheat and corn
farmers borrowed heavily during war, an increased productivity led to surplus product and falling prices
labor unions’ struggle
open shop - practice of companies keeping jobs open to non-union workers → union membership declines
welfare capitalism - employers offered improved benefits and wages, reducing interest in unions
southern companies used violence to discourage unionization
the federal government favored business, strikes failed, conservative courts ruled against labor unions’ interests in most cases
technology and culture
mass media - radio
movie industry centered in Hollywood
popular music - Jazz, blues, classical, “American Standard”
aviation - improving technology of airplanes, speed and distance reords
popular heroes - shift from politicians to sports and movie personalities
Note
Flashcard